THE END OF THE LINE - 2
The History of a Branch Line 1898 to 1973
Time runs out

Now ~ like the rest of the line, Welford Park lay deserted and abandoned. For a total of three years the track, and what was left
of the station buildings would lay unused, open to both the ravages of nature and the inevitable mindless vandalism.

1975
Photo : Martin Loader Photo : Martin Loader
The Gate on the USAF siding
The M4 Bridge near Welford
Photo : Martin Loader Photo : Martin Loader
The Sand Drag
Near Welford looking North
 


In June 1976 tenders were invited for the removal of the line and in September of that year a bid from Thomas Ward & Co.of Sheffield was accepted. Track removal commenced in 1977 and was duly completed in just two months.

Rail transport and communication along the Lambourn Valley, in one form or another, had lasted for around Seventy-Five years. The line itself couldn't claim to be anything more than a branch feeder, providing a service to valley people at a time prior to the introduction of a reliable and more frequent bus service.
Photo : Martin Loader
Sign at Welford Park
1976
Photo : Ken Tarbox Photo : Ken Tarbox Photo : Ken Tarbox
The Branch Line, Signal Box and sidings at Welford Park.
Photo : DRC Photo : Ken Tarbox
All went for scrap with the exception of the signals and booking office from Welford Park and the iron waiting room from Stockcross and Bagnor Halt.  These were aquired by The Great Western Society at Didcot where they can be seen today at the Didcot Rail Centre.  Boxford station's ticket office was re-sited on the main road within Boxford village, and served for many years as a bus shelter. However its function there has since become redundant, owing to the re-routing of the local bus service.
Photo : Ken Tarbox

Special thanks to:-
"Martin Loader"
for kindly providing some of the photos on this page.